Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office hummed a monotonous tune, mirroring the dull ache behind Michael’s eyes. He stared at the spreadsheet, the numbers blurring, meaningless. Another month, another stagnant performance review. He sighed, the sound barely audible above the rhythmic tap-tap-tapping of Sarah, his junior, working away at her keyboard. She was practically bouncing in her chair, all bright smiles and enthusiastic pronouncements. He’d overheard her on a call this morning, negotiating a deal, confident and assertive.

His stomach clenched when he saw the email notification. It was payroll, again. He clicked, and a wave of something akin to nausea washed over him. Sarah’s compensation package was clearly outlined in the document, and the sum was… substantial. He scrubbed a hand across his face, a sudden dryness coating his skin. He needed coffee. Badly. He felt his shoulders slump.